Can I Continue To Use Topical Minoxidil If I Have A Custom Skull Implant?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I have a question on minoxidil topical solution and the implant placed in 2019. If you may share his thought on this, it would be really helpful.

With likely having male pattern hair loss condition, I apply minoxidil topical solution 5% (e.g. Rogaine) or sometimes 7% on scalp for stimulating hair growth. I applied the solution daily since 2015 and I am likely to continue in the many years to come. 

I am not sure if this would be true but I would imagine long-term application like this, while some minoxidil topical solution (incl. active and other ingredients) is absorbed into blood stream or other via channels, certain amount would be left as residual and stay among the layers of scalp skin. If this makes sense, then when it happens, such residual may penetrate through the layers of scalp skin, and reach the bottom level of scalp skin. As this level of skin is in direct contact with the surface of implant, so do some topical solution residuals. 

As I guess the implant would not absorb minoxidil, it continues to build up on the surface of implant.

I wonder if my understanding above is reasonable.

Then my question is whether such build-up of minoxidil topical solution under scalp skin (above surface of implant) would cause any health issue in that area. If yes. What should I do to avoid such issue or mitigate risks involved.

Any additional comments on this topic would be helpful.

Thank you for your kind attention : )

A: I am not aware that minoxidil builds up under or in the scalp. It is a vasodilator that is absorbed and eliminated after it has its effects.

Dr. Barry Eppley

World-Renowned Plastic Surgeon